Verified Gross Mass (VGM)
The certified weight of a packed container. Without it, the box is not loaded.
Required under SOLAS since 2016. The shipper named on the bill of lading certifies the gross mass of the packed container, including the container's own tare, and no carrier may load a box without one.
Two accepted methods: weigh the packed container, or weigh the cargo and packaging and add the container tare from the plate on the door. Estimating is not a method.
The warehouse frequently does the weighing, and that does not transfer the liability. It stays with the shipper on the bill.
Also called: SOLAS VGM.
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